Generic Name: acetaminophen & oxycodone
(a-see-tah-MIH-no-fen / ox-ee-KOE-done)

Brand Names: Endocet®, Percocet-10/650®, Percocet-2.5/325®,
Percocet-5/325®, Percocet-7.5/500®, Roxicet®, Roxilox®, Tylox®

Classification: Narcotic Analgesic

Issue Date: 1996

Oxycodone (related to codeine) is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics. It relieves pain. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of oxycodone. Together, acetaminophen and oxycodone are called Endocet. They are used to relieve moderate-to-severe pain.

Do not stop taking Endocet suddenly if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Stopping suddenly could cause withdrawal symptoms and make you feel uncomfortable. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce your dose.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Oxycodone may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

Avoid alcohol while taking Endocet. Alcohol may increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by Endocet and could be dangerous. Also, acetaminophen can be toxic to your liver when taken with as little as 2 drinks of alcohol.

Also avoid sleeping pills, tranquilizers, sedatives, and antihistamines except under the supervision of your doctor. These medications also may cause dangerous sedation.

Acetaminophen and oxycodone may cause constipation. Drink plenty of water (six to eight full glasses a day) to lessen this side effect. Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet can also help to alleviate constipation.

Never take more Endocet than is prescribed for you. If your pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.

Watch the acetaminophen content of other over-the-counter and prescription products while taking this medication. Do not take more than a total of 4 grams (4000 mg) of acetaminophen per day.

Take Endocet exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take Endocet with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

Never take more Endocet than is prescribed for you. Too much Endocet could be very harmful.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of oxycodone with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Do not stop taking Endocet suddenly if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Stopping suddenly could cause withdrawal symptoms and make you feel uncomfortable. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce your dose.

Acetaminophen and oxycodone may cause constipation. Drink plenty of water (six to eight full glasses a day) to lessen this side effect. Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet can also help to alleviate constipation.

Do not share this medication with anyone else. Store Endocet at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Before taking Endocet, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease
• liver disease
• asthma
• urinary retention
• an enlarged prostate
• hypothyroidism
• seizures or epilepsy
• gallbladder disease
• a head injury
• Addison's disease
• a history of alcohol or drug addiction

You may not be able to take Endocet, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether this drug combination passes into breast milk. Do not take Endocet without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are younger than 18 years of age or older than 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Endocet therapy. Use extra caution.

Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an Endocet overdose include:

• slow breathing
• seizures
• dizziness
• weakness
• loss of consciousness
• coma
• confusion
• tiredness
• cold and clammy skin
• small pupils
• nausea
• vomiting
• sweating

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction:

• hives
• difficulty breathing
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• slow, weak breathing
• seizures
• cold, clammy skin
• severe weakness or dizziness
• unconsciousness
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• unusual fatigue, bleeding, or bruising

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Endocet and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• constipation
• dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite
• dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness
• muscle twitches
• sweating
• itching
• decreased urination
• decreased sex drive

Acetaminophen and oxycodone is habit forming. Do not stop taking it suddenly.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Do not take Endocet if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as:

• isocarboxazid (Marplan®)
• phenelzine (Nardil®)
• tranylcypromine (Parnate®)

in the last 14 days. Dangerous side effects could result.

The most serious interactions affecting Endocet are with those drugs that also cause sedation. The following drugs may lead to dangerous sedation if taken with Endocet:

• brompheniramine (Dimetane®, Bromfed®, others)
• diphenhydramine (Benadryl®, Nytol®, Compoz®, others)
• chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton®, Teldrin®, others)
• amitriptyline (Elavil®)
• doxepin (Sinequan®)
• fluoxetine (Prozac®)
• sertraline (Zoloft®)
• paroxetine (Paxil®)
• amoxapine (Asendin®)
• clomipramine (Anafranil®)
• desipramine (Norpramin®)
• imipramine (Tofranil®)
• nortriptyline (Pamelor®)
• protriptyline (Vivactil®)
• belladonna (Donnatal®)
• clidinium (Quarzan®)
• dicyclomine (Bentyl®, Antispas®)
• hyoscyamine (Levsin®, Anaspaz®)
• ipratropium (Atrovent®)
• propantheline (Pro-Banthine®)
• scopolamine (Transderm-Scop®)
• chlorpromazine (Thorazin®e)
• fluphenazine (Prolixin®)
• thioridazine (Mellaril®)
• prochlorperazine (Compazine®)
• phenobarbital (Solfoton®, Luminal®)
• amobarbital (Amytal®)
• secobarbital (Seconal®)
• alprazolam (Xanax®)
• diazepam (Valium®)
• temazepam (Restoril®)
• lorazepam (Ativan®)
• flurazepam (Dalmane®)

You may not be able to take Endocet or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

Watch the acetaminophen content of other over-the-counter and prescription products while taking this medication. Do not take more than a total of 4 grams (4000 mg) of a cetaminophen per day.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Endocet. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.